This past offseason, Sam Presti decided to allow the Orlando Magic to overpay Rashard Lewis. To do so, Seattle and Orlando agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that allowed them to gain an eight million dollar trade exception. Rather than holding onto that extra money, Presti did a masterful job of converting it into a handful of extra assets.
The first move, was to acquire veteran forward Kurt Thomas and the Phoenix Suns' first round draft choices in 2008 and 2010 for a conditional second round draft choice. Phoenix needed to clear Thomas from their payroll and Seattle was able to leverage their trade exception into multiple assets.
Then on Wednesday night, the Sonics traded Thomas to the Spurs for guard Brent Barry, center Francisco Elson, and a 2009 first round draft pick. Both Barry and Elson are in their last year of their contracts and will fall off the payroll this summer.
Presti said after making the trade with the Spurs, "looking at the first-round pick, in combination with our other future picks, we have great flexibility to add to our core or acquire another impact player in the future. At the same time, Kurt is a tremendous person and player, and I appreciate his contributions this season and wish him success."
Seattle has 13 draft picks over the next three years, including six in the first round - two each season. After next season, Luke Ridnour, Earl Watson, Nick Collison, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Damien Wilkins, and Johan Petro are the only SuperSonics currently under contract. Presti has plenty of flexiblity and some intriguing young players to be big time players within the next few years.
Showing posts with label Brent Barry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brent Barry. Show all posts
Friday, February 22, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Mike Miller On the Move
With the recent trade of Pau Gasol to the Lakers, it appears the Memphis Grizzlies are in full rebuild mode. Miller is a 6'8" wing player, who at twenty-seven years of age, still has plenty of good years ahead of him. Miller has averaged double-digits every year of his career and is one of the best pure shooters in the NBA. This season, he is averaging 17 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game. He certainly can help any team looking for an additional scorer.
With Miller having value, this is the perfect opportunity for the Grizzlies to stick Brian Cardinal's contract on someone else. Likely, the Grizzlies will be asking for someone to take on Cardinal with any trade for Miller. Cardinal is scheduled to earn $5,850,000 and is locked in for three more years.
Here are the five top trades, sensible for both teams, that would send Miller out of Memphis:
1) Golden State is always interested in shooters and have plenty of assets to make a trade. By using their trade exception, the Warriors could trade two disgrunteled players, for two guys who could help in Don Nelson's playoff push.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining) and Brian Cardinal ($5,850,000, 3 Years Remaining) for Patrick O'Bryant ($2,216,400, 1 Year), Mickael Pietrus ($3,470,771, 1 Year Remaining), and $9,999,999 Trade Exception (Jason Richardson)
2.) The Orlando Magic could acquire Miller and Cardinal without giving up key parts. Cardinal would get significant playing time on a team short with size and Miller would be an upgrade over existing talent. Concerns over Hedo Turkoglu and Miller being too similar may arise, though I would think Miller's ability to play and defend multiple positions would be of interest to Orlando.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining) and Brian Cardinal ($5,850,000, 3 Years Remaining) for Pat Garrity ($3,818,750, 1 Year Remaining), Carlos Arroyo, $4,000,000, 1 Year Remaining), James Augustine ($687,456, 1 Year Remaining), J.J. Redick ($2,000,160, 2 Years Remaining), and Brian Cook ($3,500,000, 2 Years Remaining)
3.) The Cleveland Cavaliers badly need another scorer next to LeBron James and Miller would be a great fit. The Grizzlies would have to take on two mid-sized deals to make the trade work, but would certainly still save money. Additionally, both players are 34 years old and would consider retirement.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining) and Brian Cardinal ($5,850,000, 3 Years Remaining) for Eric Snow ($6,703,125, 2 Years Remaining), Donyell Marshall ($5,566,965, 2 Years Remaining), Shannon Brown ($1,044,120, 1 Year Remaining) and Dwayne Jones($770,610, 1 Year Remaining)
4.) The San Antonio Spurs would be a strong pairing to make this trade with the Grizzlies. However, they would not be in position to take on Brian Cardinal as well. Therefore, the trade below swaps Miller and little-used Andre Brown for two replaceable players.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining) and Andre Brown ($770,610, 1 Year Remaining) for Brent Barry ($5,544,370, 1 Year Remaining) and Francisco Elson ($3,000,000, 1 Year Remaining)
5.) Like the Cavaliers trade, the Houston Rockets would also be interested in acquiring Miller, but would the Grizzlies would have to take on some multi-year contracts.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining), Andre Brown ($770,610, 1 Year Remaining) and Brian Cardinal ($5,850,000, 3 Years Remaining) for Kirk Snyder ( $2,358,433, 1 Year Remaining), Mike James, ($5,926,893, 2 Years Remaining), Steve Francis ($2,439,333, 1 Year Remaining) and Luther Head, ($1,122,000, 2 Years Remaining)
With Miller having value, this is the perfect opportunity for the Grizzlies to stick Brian Cardinal's contract on someone else. Likely, the Grizzlies will be asking for someone to take on Cardinal with any trade for Miller. Cardinal is scheduled to earn $5,850,000 and is locked in for three more years.
Here are the five top trades, sensible for both teams, that would send Miller out of Memphis:
1) Golden State is always interested in shooters and have plenty of assets to make a trade. By using their trade exception, the Warriors could trade two disgrunteled players, for two guys who could help in Don Nelson's playoff push.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining) and Brian Cardinal ($5,850,000, 3 Years Remaining) for Patrick O'Bryant ($2,216,400, 1 Year), Mickael Pietrus ($3,470,771, 1 Year Remaining), and $9,999,999 Trade Exception (Jason Richardson)
2.) The Orlando Magic could acquire Miller and Cardinal without giving up key parts. Cardinal would get significant playing time on a team short with size and Miller would be an upgrade over existing talent. Concerns over Hedo Turkoglu and Miller being too similar may arise, though I would think Miller's ability to play and defend multiple positions would be of interest to Orlando.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining) and Brian Cardinal ($5,850,000, 3 Years Remaining) for Pat Garrity ($3,818,750, 1 Year Remaining), Carlos Arroyo, $4,000,000, 1 Year Remaining), James Augustine ($687,456, 1 Year Remaining), J.J. Redick ($2,000,160, 2 Years Remaining), and Brian Cook ($3,500,000, 2 Years Remaining)
3.) The Cleveland Cavaliers badly need another scorer next to LeBron James and Miller would be a great fit. The Grizzlies would have to take on two mid-sized deals to make the trade work, but would certainly still save money. Additionally, both players are 34 years old and would consider retirement.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining) and Brian Cardinal ($5,850,000, 3 Years Remaining) for Eric Snow ($6,703,125, 2 Years Remaining), Donyell Marshall ($5,566,965, 2 Years Remaining), Shannon Brown ($1,044,120, 1 Year Remaining) and Dwayne Jones($770,610, 1 Year Remaining)
4.) The San Antonio Spurs would be a strong pairing to make this trade with the Grizzlies. However, they would not be in position to take on Brian Cardinal as well. Therefore, the trade below swaps Miller and little-used Andre Brown for two replaceable players.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining) and Andre Brown ($770,610, 1 Year Remaining) for Brent Barry ($5,544,370, 1 Year Remaining) and Francisco Elson ($3,000,000, 1 Year Remaining)
5.) Like the Cavaliers trade, the Houston Rockets would also be interested in acquiring Miller, but would the Grizzlies would have to take on some multi-year contracts.
Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 3 Years Remaining), Andre Brown ($770,610, 1 Year Remaining) and Brian Cardinal ($5,850,000, 3 Years Remaining) for Kirk Snyder ( $2,358,433, 1 Year Remaining), Mike James, ($5,926,893, 2 Years Remaining), Steve Francis ($2,439,333, 1 Year Remaining) and Luther Head, ($1,122,000, 2 Years Remaining)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Suns & Lakers Fire First Shots - What's Next?
With word that Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks will be traded from Phoenix to the Miami Heat for Shaquille O'Neal and Pau Gasol being moved to the Lakers last week, the question is what do some of their competitors do next?
With Boston, Detroit, Utah, Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Antonio seen as their biggest competition for the tile, let's take a look at how they can improve. In New York, the Knicks sit today with a 14-34 record and it appearing like Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry are too similar to play together. So, let's assume that Isiah Thomas and company are ready to move Curry.
First, here are the teams from this group that are unlikely to be interested or unable to trade for Curry:
*Boston - limited cap flexbility; Kendrick Perkins has been adaquete at center; biggest expiring contract is James Posey, but he is integral to the teams' success.
*Cleveland - already have a glut of big men; greater need is at the point guard spot.
*Detroit - Curry struggles to defend and rebound, which are two staples of the Pistons' success; would have to trade key players to make the trade work.
*New Orleans - Chandler and West having career years; Curry does not play well enough in up-tempo pace; limited cap flexiblity; Hornets not in position to take on big salaries.
*Utah - starting big man is not needed; limited cap flexiblity; would not fit.
Now, let's take a look at the remaining three teams on the list of true NBA finals competitors:
*Denver Nuggets
Nuggets get:
Wilson Chandler, $1,091,640, 2 Years Remaining
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Knicks get:
Von Waker, $770,610, 1 Year Remaining
Eduardo Najera, $4,952,380, 1 Year Remaining
Yakhouba Diawara, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
J.R. Smith, $2,134,067, 1 Year Remaining
2008 1st Round Pick
The Nuggets would get some added interior scoring to go with Nene Hilario, Marcus Camby, and Kenyon Martin. Although the Nuggets already have legitimate big men, none of them can score like Curry can. Playing Curry next to a defensive star like Camby would also take some of the pressure off of Curry to rebound and defend, so he can focus more on scoring.
*Dallas Mavericks
Dallas gets:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Randolph Morris, $810,000, 1 Year Remaining
New York gets:
DeSagana Diop, $2,146,000, 1 Year Remaining
Maurice Ager, $974,400, 2 Years Remaining
Devean George, $2,369,111, 1 Year Remaining
Eddie Jones, $1,830,000, 1 Year Remaining
Nick Fazekas, $427,163, 2 Year Remaining
2008 1st Round Pick
This trade would be attractive for Dallas because they would only have to give up one of their top eight players, Eddie Jones. Jones starts, but plays limited minutes after the first quarter. Curry would instantly become the top scoring post player they have had. He would also fit well with Erick Dampier, who is a defensive-minded center. Curry and Dampier would be a ying-yang type duo at the center position, which would have success in the playoffs. For the Knics, this trade would be attractive because they would basically get all expiring contracts outside of Fazekas and Ager's small rookie contracts.
*Orlando Magic
Magic get:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Fred Jones, $3,300,000, 1 Year Remaining
Knicks get:
J.J. Redick, $2,000,160, 2 Years Remaining
James Augustine, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
Adonal Foyle, $1,219,590, 1 Year Remaining
Pat Garrity, $3,818,750, 1 Year Remaining
Draft rights to Fran Vazquez
Future 1st Round Pick
With Dwight Howard playing center today and Rashard Lewis at power forward, this trade would allow the Magic to move both of these players to a more natural position. Also, the Magic would be able to bolster their bench by allowing Hedo Turkoglu, who is having a career year, to be their sixth man. The Magic would not give up any player currently in their rotation and would be able to acquire a starting center. The Magic would still have some problems at point guard and potentially shooting guard, but this trade would certainly be an upgrade in talent. In addition, Fred Jones, on an expiring contract, would bring some depth to the backcourt. This trade would also rid the Magic of the J.J. Redick and Fran Vazquez draft mistakes. The Knicks would receive all expiring contracts, except for Redick's rookie contract, plus a first round pick and a former first round pick in Vazquez.
*San Antonio Spurs
Spurs get:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Knicks get:
Brent Barry, $5,544,370, 1 Year Remaining
Ian Mahinmi, $625,840, 2 Years Remaining
Francisco Elson, $3,000,000, 1 Year Remaining
Like the Mavericks deal, the Spurs would get Curry without giving up anyone of their players who logs more than twenty minutes a game. Also like the Mavericks trade, Curry would fit in nicely at the center spot with Fabricio Oberto, who is exclusively a defensive center, only scoring on offense off put-backs and dunks. Although it would be difficult to lose Barry's versatility and perimeter shooting, the Spurs have other guys who can step into that role. Curry would fit well when Duncan needs to rest because they would still have a post presence with him out of the game. The Knicks would get two large expiring contracts in return, plus a mid-level prospect in Mahinmi, who has shown flashes of potential.
With Boston, Detroit, Utah, Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Antonio seen as their biggest competition for the tile, let's take a look at how they can improve. In New York, the Knicks sit today with a 14-34 record and it appearing like Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry are too similar to play together. So, let's assume that Isiah Thomas and company are ready to move Curry.
First, here are the teams from this group that are unlikely to be interested or unable to trade for Curry:
*Boston - limited cap flexbility; Kendrick Perkins has been adaquete at center; biggest expiring contract is James Posey, but he is integral to the teams' success.
*Cleveland - already have a glut of big men; greater need is at the point guard spot.
*Detroit - Curry struggles to defend and rebound, which are two staples of the Pistons' success; would have to trade key players to make the trade work.
*New Orleans - Chandler and West having career years; Curry does not play well enough in up-tempo pace; limited cap flexiblity; Hornets not in position to take on big salaries.
*Utah - starting big man is not needed; limited cap flexiblity; would not fit.
Now, let's take a look at the remaining three teams on the list of true NBA finals competitors:
*Denver Nuggets
Nuggets get:
Wilson Chandler, $1,091,640, 2 Years Remaining
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Knicks get:
Von Waker, $770,610, 1 Year Remaining
Eduardo Najera, $4,952,380, 1 Year Remaining
Yakhouba Diawara, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
J.R. Smith, $2,134,067, 1 Year Remaining
2008 1st Round Pick
The Nuggets would get some added interior scoring to go with Nene Hilario, Marcus Camby, and Kenyon Martin. Although the Nuggets already have legitimate big men, none of them can score like Curry can. Playing Curry next to a defensive star like Camby would also take some of the pressure off of Curry to rebound and defend, so he can focus more on scoring.
*Dallas Mavericks
Dallas gets:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Randolph Morris, $810,000, 1 Year Remaining
New York gets:
DeSagana Diop, $2,146,000, 1 Year Remaining
Maurice Ager, $974,400, 2 Years Remaining
Devean George, $2,369,111, 1 Year Remaining
Eddie Jones, $1,830,000, 1 Year Remaining
Nick Fazekas, $427,163, 2 Year Remaining
2008 1st Round Pick
This trade would be attractive for Dallas because they would only have to give up one of their top eight players, Eddie Jones. Jones starts, but plays limited minutes after the first quarter. Curry would instantly become the top scoring post player they have had. He would also fit well with Erick Dampier, who is a defensive-minded center. Curry and Dampier would be a ying-yang type duo at the center position, which would have success in the playoffs. For the Knics, this trade would be attractive because they would basically get all expiring contracts outside of Fazekas and Ager's small rookie contracts.
*Orlando Magic
Magic get:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Fred Jones, $3,300,000, 1 Year Remaining
Knicks get:
J.J. Redick, $2,000,160, 2 Years Remaining
James Augustine, $687,456, 1 Year Remaining
Adonal Foyle, $1,219,590, 1 Year Remaining
Pat Garrity, $3,818,750, 1 Year Remaining
Draft rights to Fran Vazquez
Future 1st Round Pick
With Dwight Howard playing center today and Rashard Lewis at power forward, this trade would allow the Magic to move both of these players to a more natural position. Also, the Magic would be able to bolster their bench by allowing Hedo Turkoglu, who is having a career year, to be their sixth man. The Magic would not give up any player currently in their rotation and would be able to acquire a starting center. The Magic would still have some problems at point guard and potentially shooting guard, but this trade would certainly be an upgrade in talent. In addition, Fred Jones, on an expiring contract, would bring some depth to the backcourt. This trade would also rid the Magic of the J.J. Redick and Fran Vazquez draft mistakes. The Knicks would receive all expiring contracts, except for Redick's rookie contract, plus a first round pick and a former first round pick in Vazquez.
*San Antonio Spurs
Spurs get:
Eddy Curry, $8,947,543, 3 Years Remaining
Knicks get:
Brent Barry, $5,544,370, 1 Year Remaining
Ian Mahinmi, $625,840, 2 Years Remaining
Francisco Elson, $3,000,000, 1 Year Remaining
Like the Mavericks deal, the Spurs would get Curry without giving up anyone of their players who logs more than twenty minutes a game. Also like the Mavericks trade, Curry would fit in nicely at the center spot with Fabricio Oberto, who is exclusively a defensive center, only scoring on offense off put-backs and dunks. Although it would be difficult to lose Barry's versatility and perimeter shooting, the Spurs have other guys who can step into that role. Curry would fit well when Duncan needs to rest because they would still have a post presence with him out of the game. The Knicks would get two large expiring contracts in return, plus a mid-level prospect in Mahinmi, who has shown flashes of potential.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Taking a Look at the Spurs' Method
Today, I will be looking at the model that San Antonio has used to have great success over the last decade: find three star players and then fill the roster with guys willing to go through a wall to win.
In order to take a look at this, I pulled out any team over the last three seasons who had at least three guys who scored fifteen points per game and played in a significant amount of games with the team in the season. For the last three seasons, the Spurs have reached this mark and have won at least 58 games each year and two NBA championships.
2004-05 Season
Phoenix Suns, 62-20, (Western Conference Finals)
Scorers: Amare Stoudamire, Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson
Contributors: Nash, Richardson, Barbosa, Jackson, Hunter, Jacobsen, Voskuhl
Notes: Nash and Richardson also averaged double figures in points per game.
San Antonio Spurs, 59-23, (NBA Champions)
Scorers: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili
Contributors: Bowen, Barry, D. Brown, Udrih, Horry, Nesterovic, Rose, Mohammed
Notes: Mohammed and Rose were traded for mid-season. Bowen was third in the team in minutes per game. Mohammed started every game during the Spurs’ playoff run.
Dallas Mavericks, 58-24 (Second Round)
Scorers: Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley, Jerry Stackhouse
Contributors: Terry, Howard, Daniels, Dampier, Harris, Henderson, Bradley, Van Horn
Notes: Howard and Terry also averaged double figures in points per game.
Detroit Pistons, 54-28, (NBA Finals)
Scorers: Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince
Contributors: Wallace, Wallace, McDyess, Hunter, Arroyo, Dupree, Delfino, Campbell
Notes: Both Wallace’s and Antonio McDyess all averaged over nine points per game.
Chicago Bulls, 47-35 (First Round)
Scorers: Eddy Curry, Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon
Contributors: Deng, Nocioni, Chandler, Harrington, Davis, Duhon, Piatkowski, Pargo
Notes: Deng was injured and did not play during the playoffs.
Washington Wizards, 45-37, (Second Round)
Scorers: Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes, Antawn Jamison
Contributors: Haywood, Hayes, Jeffries, Dixon, Thomas, Brown, Blake, Peeler, Ruffin
Notes: Only four reserve players for the Wizards played significant minutes.
Los Angeles Clippers, 37-45, (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Bobby Simmons
Contributors: Kaman, Jaric, Brunson, Wilcox, Ross, Moore, Rebraca, Livingston
Notes: Brand was the only Clipper not to miss significant time because of injury.
Los Angeles Lakers, 34-48, (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Kobe Bryant, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom
Contributors: Atkins, Mihm, Jones, Cook, T. Brown, Grant, Walton, Medvedenko
Notes: This was the season Bryant was going through a court trial.
2005-06 Season
Detroit Pistons, 64-18 (Eastern Conference Finals)
Scorers: Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace
Contributors: Prince, McDyess, B. Wallace, Evans, Delfino, Delk, Arroyo, Hunter
Notes: Darko Milicic and Carlos Arroyo were traded mid-season to the Magic.
San Antonio Spurs, 63-19 (Second Round)
Scorers: Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili
Contributors: Finley, Bowen, Mohammed, Barry, Nesterovic, Van Exel, Horry, Udrih
Notes: The Spurs had nine players average more than fifteen minutes played per game.
Dallas Mavericks, 60-22 (NBA Finals)
Scorers: Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Josh Howard
Contributors: Stackhouse, Daniels, Harris, Van Horn, Dampier, Griffin, Diop, Armstrong
Notes: Stackhouse, Daniels, and Harris all averaged at least ten points scored per game.
Phoenix Suns, 54-28 (Western Confernce Finals)
Scorers: Shawn Marion, Steve Nash, Raja Bell
Contributors: Diaw, House, Barbosa, James Jones, Kurt Thomas, Tim Thomas, Jackson
Notes: Tim Thomas was acquired mid-season and played nearly 25 minutes per game.
Los Angeles Clippers, 47-35 (Second Round)
Scorers: Elton Brand, Sam Cassell, Cuttino Mobley
Contributors: Kaman, Maggette, Livingston, Radmanovic, Ross, Ewing, Wilcox
Notes: Radmanovic and Wilcox were acquired mid-season by the Clippers.
Washington Wizards, 42-40 (First Round)
Scorers: Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler
Contributors: Daniels, Haywood, Jeffries, Thomas, Ruffin, Donnell Taylor
Notes: Only three reserve players for the Wizards played significant minutes.
Toronto Raptors, 27-55 (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Chris Bosh, Mike James, Morris Peterson
Contributors: Villanueva, Bonner, Rose, Graham, Calderon, Sow, Araujo, Martin
Notes: Seven Raptors players played significant minutes during the season.
2006-07 Season
Dallas Mavericks, 67-15 (First Round)
Scorers: Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Jason Terry
Contributors: Harris, Stackhouse, Dampier, George, Buckner, Diop, Croshere
Notes: Stackhouse and Harris also averaged double figures in points per game.
Phoenix Suns, 61-21 (Second Round)
Scorers: Amare Stoudamire, Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa
Contributors: Marion, Bell, Diaw, James Jones, Banks, Kurt Thomas
Notes: The Suns had six players who averaged more than 30 minutes played per game.
San Antonio Spurs, 58-24 (NBA Champions)
Scorers: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili
Contributors: Finley, Barry, Bowen, Elson, Oberto, Horry, Bonner, Vaughn
Notes: Twelve different Spurs started at least one game during the season.
Utah Jazz, 51-31 (Western Conference Finals)
Scorers: Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, Deron Williams
Contributors: Harpring, Fisher, Kirilenko, Giricek, Millsap, Brewer, Jarron Collins
Notes: Harpring and Fisher also averaged double figures in points per game.
Chicago Bulls, 49-33 (Second Round)
Scorers: Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich
Contributors: Nocioni, Duhon, Wallace, Brown, Thomas, Sefolosha, Allen, Griffin
Notes: The Bulls had four guys average more than 14 points per game during the season.
Golden State Warriors, 42-40 (Second Round)
Scorers: Baron Davis, Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson
Contributors: Ellis, Richardson, Pietrus, Barnes, Biedrins, Azubuike, Foyle
Notes: Harrington, Jackson, and Jasikevicius were acquired by the Warriors mid-season.
Washington Wizards, 41-41 (First Round)
Scorers: Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler
Contributors: Stevenson, Songaila, Hayes, Daniels, Haywood, Thomas, Blatche
Notes: Arenas missed the entire playoffs with an injury.
Sacramento Kings, 33-49 (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Kevin Martin, Ron Artest, Mike Bibby
Contributors: Abdur-Rahim, Williamson, B. Miller, Salmons, Garcia, K. Thomas
Notes: The Kings did not have a player over 6'7" average more than ten points per game.
New York Knicks, 33-49 (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Eddy Curry, Jamal Crawford, Stephon Marbury
Contributors: Richardson, Francis, Lee, Robinson, Frye, Balkman, Collins, Jeffries
Notes: Richardson, Francis, Lee, and Robinson also averaged double figures in points.
After looking at the different teams and situations, it is obvious that more than just the Spurs have mastered this method. Over the years, the Suns (Nash, Stoudamire, Marion with Barbosa, Diaw, Bell), Pistons (Billups, R. Wallace, Hamilton with McDyess, B. Wallace, Prince, Hunter), and Mavericks (Nash, Howard, Nowitzki with Harris, Stackhouse, Daniels, Dampier) have found success through this model. Each one of these teams plus the Spurs have been dominant over the last three seasons by finding three star players and surrounding them with glue guys who will do anything to win.
The Spurs certainly have had the most success with this by surrounding their three mainstays (Duncan, Parker, Ginobili) with guys who will do anything to win (Bowen, Barry, Horry, Finley, Van Exel, Oberto). With the type of salary structure and rules today, it is next to impossible to have more than three star players on a roster at once. But, as San Antonio has found out, if you get three stars and surround them with players who make up for their lack of talent with hustle and a will to win, then success will come.
Teams like the 2004-05 Clippers, 2004-05 Lakers, 2006-07 Knicks, 2006-07 Kings, and 2005-06 Raptors have seen that getting three strong players does not necessarily lead to success. These five teams were unable to surround their core with strong complementary players and each team won less than 40 games. The 2007-08 Boston Celtics may also fall under this category. Despite having Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, they may not be able to surround these superstars with players willing to go through a wall to win. Their roster is full of inexperienced, young players, who do not know what it takes to win in the NBA.
If Boston is able to find these complementary pieces and make a run to the finals, it is likely they will meet the Spurs, Suns, or Mavericks their, since all three have mastered the model that Greg Popovich and R.C. Buford have put together.
In order to take a look at this, I pulled out any team over the last three seasons who had at least three guys who scored fifteen points per game and played in a significant amount of games with the team in the season. For the last three seasons, the Spurs have reached this mark and have won at least 58 games each year and two NBA championships.
2004-05 Season
Phoenix Suns, 62-20, (Western Conference Finals)
Scorers: Amare Stoudamire, Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson
Contributors: Nash, Richardson, Barbosa, Jackson, Hunter, Jacobsen, Voskuhl
Notes: Nash and Richardson also averaged double figures in points per game.
San Antonio Spurs, 59-23, (NBA Champions)
Scorers: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili
Contributors: Bowen, Barry, D. Brown, Udrih, Horry, Nesterovic, Rose, Mohammed
Notes: Mohammed and Rose were traded for mid-season. Bowen was third in the team in minutes per game. Mohammed started every game during the Spurs’ playoff run.
Dallas Mavericks, 58-24 (Second Round)
Scorers: Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley, Jerry Stackhouse
Contributors: Terry, Howard, Daniels, Dampier, Harris, Henderson, Bradley, Van Horn
Notes: Howard and Terry also averaged double figures in points per game.
Detroit Pistons, 54-28, (NBA Finals)
Scorers: Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince
Contributors: Wallace, Wallace, McDyess, Hunter, Arroyo, Dupree, Delfino, Campbell
Notes: Both Wallace’s and Antonio McDyess all averaged over nine points per game.
Chicago Bulls, 47-35 (First Round)
Scorers: Eddy Curry, Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon
Contributors: Deng, Nocioni, Chandler, Harrington, Davis, Duhon, Piatkowski, Pargo
Notes: Deng was injured and did not play during the playoffs.
Washington Wizards, 45-37, (Second Round)
Scorers: Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes, Antawn Jamison
Contributors: Haywood, Hayes, Jeffries, Dixon, Thomas, Brown, Blake, Peeler, Ruffin
Notes: Only four reserve players for the Wizards played significant minutes.
Los Angeles Clippers, 37-45, (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Bobby Simmons
Contributors: Kaman, Jaric, Brunson, Wilcox, Ross, Moore, Rebraca, Livingston
Notes: Brand was the only Clipper not to miss significant time because of injury.
Los Angeles Lakers, 34-48, (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Kobe Bryant, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom
Contributors: Atkins, Mihm, Jones, Cook, T. Brown, Grant, Walton, Medvedenko
Notes: This was the season Bryant was going through a court trial.
2005-06 Season
Detroit Pistons, 64-18 (Eastern Conference Finals)
Scorers: Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace
Contributors: Prince, McDyess, B. Wallace, Evans, Delfino, Delk, Arroyo, Hunter
Notes: Darko Milicic and Carlos Arroyo were traded mid-season to the Magic.
San Antonio Spurs, 63-19 (Second Round)
Scorers: Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili
Contributors: Finley, Bowen, Mohammed, Barry, Nesterovic, Van Exel, Horry, Udrih
Notes: The Spurs had nine players average more than fifteen minutes played per game.
Dallas Mavericks, 60-22 (NBA Finals)
Scorers: Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Josh Howard
Contributors: Stackhouse, Daniels, Harris, Van Horn, Dampier, Griffin, Diop, Armstrong
Notes: Stackhouse, Daniels, and Harris all averaged at least ten points scored per game.
Phoenix Suns, 54-28 (Western Confernce Finals)
Scorers: Shawn Marion, Steve Nash, Raja Bell
Contributors: Diaw, House, Barbosa, James Jones, Kurt Thomas, Tim Thomas, Jackson
Notes: Tim Thomas was acquired mid-season and played nearly 25 minutes per game.
Los Angeles Clippers, 47-35 (Second Round)
Scorers: Elton Brand, Sam Cassell, Cuttino Mobley
Contributors: Kaman, Maggette, Livingston, Radmanovic, Ross, Ewing, Wilcox
Notes: Radmanovic and Wilcox were acquired mid-season by the Clippers.
Washington Wizards, 42-40 (First Round)
Scorers: Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler
Contributors: Daniels, Haywood, Jeffries, Thomas, Ruffin, Donnell Taylor
Notes: Only three reserve players for the Wizards played significant minutes.
Toronto Raptors, 27-55 (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Chris Bosh, Mike James, Morris Peterson
Contributors: Villanueva, Bonner, Rose, Graham, Calderon, Sow, Araujo, Martin
Notes: Seven Raptors players played significant minutes during the season.
2006-07 Season
Dallas Mavericks, 67-15 (First Round)
Scorers: Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Jason Terry
Contributors: Harris, Stackhouse, Dampier, George, Buckner, Diop, Croshere
Notes: Stackhouse and Harris also averaged double figures in points per game.
Phoenix Suns, 61-21 (Second Round)
Scorers: Amare Stoudamire, Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa
Contributors: Marion, Bell, Diaw, James Jones, Banks, Kurt Thomas
Notes: The Suns had six players who averaged more than 30 minutes played per game.
San Antonio Spurs, 58-24 (NBA Champions)
Scorers: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili
Contributors: Finley, Barry, Bowen, Elson, Oberto, Horry, Bonner, Vaughn
Notes: Twelve different Spurs started at least one game during the season.
Utah Jazz, 51-31 (Western Conference Finals)
Scorers: Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, Deron Williams
Contributors: Harpring, Fisher, Kirilenko, Giricek, Millsap, Brewer, Jarron Collins
Notes: Harpring and Fisher also averaged double figures in points per game.
Chicago Bulls, 49-33 (Second Round)
Scorers: Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich
Contributors: Nocioni, Duhon, Wallace, Brown, Thomas, Sefolosha, Allen, Griffin
Notes: The Bulls had four guys average more than 14 points per game during the season.
Golden State Warriors, 42-40 (Second Round)
Scorers: Baron Davis, Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson
Contributors: Ellis, Richardson, Pietrus, Barnes, Biedrins, Azubuike, Foyle
Notes: Harrington, Jackson, and Jasikevicius were acquired by the Warriors mid-season.
Washington Wizards, 41-41 (First Round)
Scorers: Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler
Contributors: Stevenson, Songaila, Hayes, Daniels, Haywood, Thomas, Blatche
Notes: Arenas missed the entire playoffs with an injury.
Sacramento Kings, 33-49 (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Kevin Martin, Ron Artest, Mike Bibby
Contributors: Abdur-Rahim, Williamson, B. Miller, Salmons, Garcia, K. Thomas
Notes: The Kings did not have a player over 6'7" average more than ten points per game.
New York Knicks, 33-49 (No Playoffs)
Scorers: Eddy Curry, Jamal Crawford, Stephon Marbury
Contributors: Richardson, Francis, Lee, Robinson, Frye, Balkman, Collins, Jeffries
Notes: Richardson, Francis, Lee, and Robinson also averaged double figures in points.
After looking at the different teams and situations, it is obvious that more than just the Spurs have mastered this method. Over the years, the Suns (Nash, Stoudamire, Marion with Barbosa, Diaw, Bell), Pistons (Billups, R. Wallace, Hamilton with McDyess, B. Wallace, Prince, Hunter), and Mavericks (Nash, Howard, Nowitzki with Harris, Stackhouse, Daniels, Dampier) have found success through this model. Each one of these teams plus the Spurs have been dominant over the last three seasons by finding three star players and surrounding them with glue guys who will do anything to win.
The Spurs certainly have had the most success with this by surrounding their three mainstays (Duncan, Parker, Ginobili) with guys who will do anything to win (Bowen, Barry, Horry, Finley, Van Exel, Oberto). With the type of salary structure and rules today, it is next to impossible to have more than three star players on a roster at once. But, as San Antonio has found out, if you get three stars and surround them with players who make up for their lack of talent with hustle and a will to win, then success will come.
Teams like the 2004-05 Clippers, 2004-05 Lakers, 2006-07 Knicks, 2006-07 Kings, and 2005-06 Raptors have seen that getting three strong players does not necessarily lead to success. These five teams were unable to surround their core with strong complementary players and each team won less than 40 games. The 2007-08 Boston Celtics may also fall under this category. Despite having Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, they may not be able to surround these superstars with players willing to go through a wall to win. Their roster is full of inexperienced, young players, who do not know what it takes to win in the NBA.
If Boston is able to find these complementary pieces and make a run to the finals, it is likely they will meet the Spurs, Suns, or Mavericks their, since all three have mastered the model that Greg Popovich and R.C. Buford have put together.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Spurs Core
(Post originally written on October 12, 2007)
The San Antonio Spurs led by R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich have been extremely successful during their tenures with the team. This duo has finished the season in first place in their division five out of the six years they have been running the team together.
The Buford/Popovich duo has been successful for two major reasons: success in free agency and excellent drafting. The Spurs have had success because they have signed free agents who other teams deemed as past their prime. Therefore, they have signed these players to smaller contracts then they had with their previous team (Horry, Finley, Bowen, Barry). They have also had a great deal of success in the NBA Draft in the past (Ginobili, Parker, Duncan) and have continued to take their stabs at international players in the last few seasons (Fabricio Oberto, Luis Scola, Beno Udrih).
Below is a breakdown of the seven players that makeup the San Antonio Spurs’ core. These seven guys made up 73.5% of the Spurs’ playing time this past season.
Tim Duncan – drafted #1 overall in 1997 draft.
02-03 10.9
03-04 11.9
04-05 12.7
05-06 14.3
06-07 17.4
07-08 19.0 (contract runs until end of 2009-10 season)
Tony Parker – drafted #28 overall in 2001 draft; resigned with team after 2005-06 season.
02-03 745k
03-04 800k
04-05 850k0
5-06 1.5
06-07 9.5
07-08 10.5 (contract runs until end of 2009-10 season)
Manu Ginobili – drafted #57 overall in 1999 draft; resigned with team after 2004-05 season.
02-03 played overseas
03-04 1.3
04-05 1.5
05-06 6.6
06-07 8.3
07-08 9.1 (contract runs until end of 2009-10 season)
Bruce Bowen – signed as a free agent in 2001 from Miami Heat; resigned in 2002 and 2004.
02-03 715k
03-04 3.4 (resigned to two-year deal)
04-05 3.7 (resigned to three-year deal)
05-06 3.0
06-07 3.8
07-08 4.2 (player option)
Robert Horry – signed as a free agent in 2003 from Lakers; resigned in 2004 and 2005.
02-03 5.3
03-04 5.3
04-05 4.9 (Laker contract expired after this season)
05-06 1.1 (resigned to one-year deal)
06-07 3.3 (resigned to two-year deal)
07-08 3.6 (free agent after this season)
Brent Barry – signed as a free agent in 2004 from Seattle Supersonics.
02-03 4.7
03-04 5.0
04-05 5.4 (signed 4 year deal with Spurs)
05-06 4.3
06-07 5.107-08 5.5 (free agent after this season)
Michael Finley – signed as a free agent in 2005 from Dallas Mavericks.
02-03 10.6
03-04 11.9
04-05 13.3
05-06 14.6 (waived by the Mavs after the season)
06-07 2.9 (signed two-year deal with Spurs)07-08 3.1 (player option)
The San Antonio Spurs led by R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich have been extremely successful during their tenures with the team. This duo has finished the season in first place in their division five out of the six years they have been running the team together.
The Buford/Popovich duo has been successful for two major reasons: success in free agency and excellent drafting. The Spurs have had success because they have signed free agents who other teams deemed as past their prime. Therefore, they have signed these players to smaller contracts then they had with their previous team (Horry, Finley, Bowen, Barry). They have also had a great deal of success in the NBA Draft in the past (Ginobili, Parker, Duncan) and have continued to take their stabs at international players in the last few seasons (Fabricio Oberto, Luis Scola, Beno Udrih).
Below is a breakdown of the seven players that makeup the San Antonio Spurs’ core. These seven guys made up 73.5% of the Spurs’ playing time this past season.
Tim Duncan – drafted #1 overall in 1997 draft.
02-03 10.9
03-04 11.9
04-05 12.7
05-06 14.3
06-07 17.4
07-08 19.0 (contract runs until end of 2009-10 season)
Tony Parker – drafted #28 overall in 2001 draft; resigned with team after 2005-06 season.
02-03 745k
03-04 800k
04-05 850k0
5-06 1.5
06-07 9.5
07-08 10.5 (contract runs until end of 2009-10 season)
Manu Ginobili – drafted #57 overall in 1999 draft; resigned with team after 2004-05 season.
02-03 played overseas
03-04 1.3
04-05 1.5
05-06 6.6
06-07 8.3
07-08 9.1 (contract runs until end of 2009-10 season)
Bruce Bowen – signed as a free agent in 2001 from Miami Heat; resigned in 2002 and 2004.
02-03 715k
03-04 3.4 (resigned to two-year deal)
04-05 3.7 (resigned to three-year deal)
05-06 3.0
06-07 3.8
07-08 4.2 (player option)
Robert Horry – signed as a free agent in 2003 from Lakers; resigned in 2004 and 2005.
02-03 5.3
03-04 5.3
04-05 4.9 (Laker contract expired after this season)
05-06 1.1 (resigned to one-year deal)
06-07 3.3 (resigned to two-year deal)
07-08 3.6 (free agent after this season)
Brent Barry – signed as a free agent in 2004 from Seattle Supersonics.
02-03 4.7
03-04 5.0
04-05 5.4 (signed 4 year deal with Spurs)
05-06 4.3
06-07 5.107-08 5.5 (free agent after this season)
Michael Finley – signed as a free agent in 2005 from Dallas Mavericks.
02-03 10.6
03-04 11.9
04-05 13.3
05-06 14.6 (waived by the Mavs after the season)
06-07 2.9 (signed two-year deal with Spurs)07-08 3.1 (player option)
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